Harold Carmichael
Harold Carmichael (born September 22, 1949) is a former American football wide receiver who played for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1971 to 1983. Standing 6 feet 8 inches tall, Carmichael was one of the most dominant receivers of his era and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020.
NFL Career
[edit | edit source]Philadelphia Eagles
[edit | edit source]The Eagles selected Carmichael in the seventh round of the 1971 NFL Draft from Southern University. Despite being a late-round pick, he developed into one of the NFL's premier receivers:
Career Highlights:
- 4-time Pro Bowl selection (1973, 1978, 1979, 1980)
- 1973 NFC Receiving Champion
- Super Bowl XV appearance (1980 season)
- Eagles all-time receiving leader at retirement
- 127 consecutive games with a reception (NFL record at the time)
Playing Style
[edit | edit source]At 6'8", Carmichael used his exceptional height advantage to dominate defensive backs. His combination of size, hands, and route-running made him virtually unguardable in the red zone and on deep routes.
Super Bowl XV
[edit | edit source]Carmichael was part of the 1980 Eagles team that reached Super Bowl XV. Though the Eagles lost to the Oakland Raiders 27-10, the season represented a high point in his career.
Career Statistics
[edit | edit source]With the Eagles:
- 589 receptions (team record at retirement)
- 8,978 receiving yards (team record at retirement)
- 79 receiving touchdowns (team record at retirement)
- 13 seasons in midnight green
Pro Football Hall of Fame
[edit | edit source]After decades of being overlooked, Carmichael was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020 as a senior committee selection. The honor vindicated Eagles fans who had long argued for his inclusion among the game's greats.[1]
In his acceptance speech, Carmichael thanked Eagles fans and the Philadelphia community for their support over the decades.
Post-Playing Career
[edit | edit source]After his playing career, Carmichael remained with the Eagles organization:
- Director of Player Development
- Ambassador for the franchise
- Community relations and charity work
- Mentor to current players
He has been a fixture at Eagles home games and events, serving as a living link to the franchise's history.
Philadelphia Legacy
[edit | edit source]Carmichael spent virtually his entire career with the Eagles and has remained in Philadelphia since his playing days. He represents the continuity of Eagles football and is revered by fans of multiple generations.
His number 17 jersey, while not officially retired, is honored by the franchise, and he is regularly recognized among the greatest players in Eagles history.
See Also
[edit | edit source]References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ "Harold Carmichael Inducted Into Hall of Fame". Philadelphia Eagles. August 8, 2020